Two-day test can spot gene diseases in newborns

A new rapid way to decode the DNA of sick newborns may help doctors diagnose genetic diseases faster in their tiniest patients — in roughly two days instead of weeks.

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By Associated Press

Butler County Times Gazette

By Associated Press

Posted Oct. 3, 2012 at 5:00 PM

By Associated Press

Posted Oct. 3, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Washinton

A new rapid way to decode the DNA of sick newborns may help doctors diagnose genetic diseases faster in their tiniest patients — in roughly two days instead of weeks.

Gene-mapping currently takes so long, and is so expensive, that it's not part of routine medical care. But researchers at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., say a speedier method could shorten the anguished wait for a diagnosis for some newborns in intensive care.

They combined a faster gene-analyzing machine with a computer program that uses a baby's symptoms to zero in on the most likely culprit. Wednesday, they reported using the faster test to help diagnose a handful of babies, and plan to begin more routine gene mapping of sick newborns by year's end.